There are many other conditions, that benefit from the application of MLD, because of its propensity to move fluid, but MLD also has other properties that have great therapeutic value besides decongesting tissue.

Because it is a very light massage, utilizing repetitive and continuous hand movements, it has a calming effect on the autonomic nervous system which

Dr Vodder explains as “a change from a sympathetic state to a parasympathetic state” stressing the importance of the lightness of touch so as not to trigger a release of histamines in the tissue which would otherwise overstimulate.

The effect is to induce a state of deep relaxation in the body allowing even the walls of vessels and bowels to be relaxed.

 For this reason, MLD is an excellent therapy for sufferers of hypertension.

MLD is also believed to have an analgesic effect based on the Gate Theory where nociceptors (pain receptors) and mechanoreceptors (touch receptors) of the central nervous system share a synapse or pathway. A simplified explanation could be that the touch receptors are stimulated by the light, repetitive touch of MLD, these signals overtake or crowd out those sent by the pain receptors.

MLD will also remove from cells the chemicals associated with the central nervous systems pain response.

In practice, MLD does, indeed, have an analgesic effect.

A logical consequence of MLD is in boosting the immune system.

 Lymph stagnation impedes the body’s immunological response so speeding up the workings of the lymphatic system must promote it.

Certainly, people who are receiving MLD on a regular basis, report that they no longer pick up colds and sore throats as frequently as they may have done before having the treatment.